Friday’s campaign round-up

FRIDAY’S CAMPAIGN ROUND-UP…. Today’s installment of campaign-related news items that wouldn’t generate a post of their own, but may be of interest to political observers.

* A reporter asked Florida Gov. Charlie Crist yesterday about his loyalty to the Republican Party. He responded by talking about his role in the GOP in the past tense: “I have very much enjoyed being a member of the Republican Party.”

* A prominent conservative voice in Nevada politics is sounding the alarm about Sue “Chicken for Checkups” Lowden’s future: “If the campaign doesn’t get its ‘stuff’ together FAST, Lowden risks becoming the next Charlie Crist.”

* In California, a new SurveyUSA poll shows Meg Whitman with a big lead over Steve Poizner in the Republicans’ gubernatorial primary.

* Republicans had struggled to find a top-tier challenger for Rep. Alan Grayson (D), but it now appears former state Sen. Daniel Webster (R) is poised to launch a campaign.

* There are only three weeks left before the filing deadline for candidates in Wyoming, and as of today, there are no Democrats running for governor. If you’re a Montana Democrat reading this, just think: Easiest. Primary. Ever.

* In Maryland, Rasmussen shows incumbent Gov. Martin O’Malley (D) with a narrow lead over the Republican he defeated four years ago, Bob Ehrlich, 47% to 44%.

* Nate Silver’s latest analysis finds that Senate Dems are poised to lose quite a few seats this year, but probably not enough to lose their majority.